Hi, I'm new to embroidery (done a fair amount of costume sewing as a hobby). I love to tinker and make things, I have a full wood shop as well and work in computers.
I want to setup an embroidery hobby business for my autistic daughter, but I don't want to spend a fortune... because you never know what kids will get interested in. Fortunately, I have 6 others if she doesn't like it... but its still a little hard to have thousands of dollars in unused equipment sitting around waiting for someone to think its cool.
I've been tossing around the idea of buying a single needle machine, but what I'd really like to find is a multiple needle machine (like a 4 needle) for a price I can get into without breaking the bank. The cheapest multi-needle machine I've seen is $3,500 and is the Brother PR-600.
I'd appreciate recommendations on specific models to look for and what price point I'm looking at. I'm not really interested in spending more than $2,000 initially, so I figure that's a $1,500 machine and $500 in random expenses. Honestly, I'd rather be closer to $1,000 and assume $1,000 in new expenses.
The biggest requirement that I have (that I am aware of) is that it has to be able to accept custom designs drawn on the computer. I'm good with things, so I can make old technology work (and fix broken machines), but there's no way I'm going to be locked into using manufacturer pre-designed cards... so it can't be too old.
I'm also considering any ol used single needle machine in the $100-$500 range... and if they enjoy it and use it for 6 months, I wouldn't mind putting down $4-5k then.
Maybe I can find somewhere to rent a machine. That would be interesting.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Re: Hello, whats the cheapest multi needle machine?
you should be able to lease a machine? that would allow for smaller up front costs... but you may have to push one of the other 6 into thinking they loved embroidery sooner than later. lol
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Hello, whats the cheapest multi needle machine?
Thanks for the suggestion. The issue isn't the money up front... its the $3,500 piece of equipment sitting around not being used.
If no one is going to use it, I'd rather buy $3,500 worth of hardwood and let it sit around until I get around to using it.
I suppose I could just buy a used PR-600 one and then sell it if it doesn't get used. How hard would it be to sell a PR-600 @ $2,500 or $3,500? How hard is it to sell embroidery machines in general? I saw several classifieds where people posted and 3 months later still hadn't sold their machines.
Re: Hello, whats the cheapest multi needle machine?
The cheaper you get the more of a loss you will take in the long run.
China made machines in general take much harder hit on the used market compared to the better equipment which does not loose its value as quickly,
However the better machines cost ALOT more than your looking at compared to the small brother machine, but as in most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Personally id rather own a used better brand machine than a new cheaply made one. Especially if you could find a used machine from a dealer that has gone thru the machine properly and will give you a limited warranty on the equipment.
Good luck with your new venture
Re: Hello, whats the cheapest multi needle machine?
What models do you recommend to hold their value should if I decide to sell within 1 year.